Foolishjk asked:why is Intel (or any other chip maker) considered "socially responsible" when their manufacturing processes consume enormous amounts of water? Is this water re-usable (like brown water from car washes for instance)?

As arosen's post suggested, chip manufacturing is a pretty dirty business, but it is rapidly improving, and it is possible to single out some companies for above average performance. In my SRI Report Card, I gave Intel a B+ for environmental consciousness. Although I'm beginning to feel that may have been a tad generous, they are still by far the best in their industry. Although they're not perfect, Intel has been working hard to reduce water usage and cut greenhouse gas emissions -- neither of which has risen appreciably despite the dramatic growth of their business. Intel also recycles about half of its solid waste and rewards its employees for achievements in environmental performance. Plus, they get brownie points for openness by publishing a detailed "Environmental Health and Safety Performance" report online (also available in PDF format) at http://www.intel.com/intel/other/ehs/prog4.htmIn addition, INTC has very good labor relations, great benefits, high diversity standards, and was at last count the #1 giver in the country to education-related causes.

As for that "age-old SRI debate: is it possible to be a socially responsible company in an inherently environmentaly un-friendly industry?" I believe it is, but one has to be VERY wary of claims to that effect and do one's DD so that one doesn't fall for claims that are all PR and no substance (aka "Greenwashing"). Compare, for example, the evidence provided for Intel (a well-intentioned, progressive company in a problematic industry) with the recent discussion on BP-Amoco (IMHO, a company in an industry that is anti-environmental by definition, that disproportionately plays up its few environmentally friendly actions)http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=13609829 .

Hope this helps!Susan(who has money in INTC, but doesn't offer investment advice, just SRI info)